HB 492

The state recently passed HB 492, setting the presumption of joint custody and equal parenting time for temporary child custody orders, which are the starting point for separating families. From now on, children will see both their parents equally in the time between when the temporary order is issued and when permanent custody is determined. (There are hopes that the state will also adjust its permanent custody statutes to also include shared parenting.) This will not apply to cases in which the child could face abuse or neglect, in which case the judge must state in writing why unequal parenting time was ordered.

Previously, the court picked “primary custody,” granting one parent custody while allowing shorter visits for the other parent. Too often, these arrangements set a precedent and provide a template for when permanent custody was determined.

The decision in Kentucky should be celebrated as a clear sign of progress, and shared parenting advocates in other states should pay close attention to how the bill was passed.

Grassroots effort

Matt Hale, Kentucky Chairman of the National Parents Organization, took up the shared parenting cause four years ago. According to the NPO blog, Hale repeatedly showed up at Senator John Schickel’s Town Hall meetings and took the floor to talk about the benefits of shared parenting and raise the possibility of passing a shared parenting bill.

NPO National Board of Directors member Robert Franklin wrote that Hale attempted to connect and educate local officials rather than engage in publicity stunts.

“Some people at those meetings weren’t in favor of shared parenting or had questions about it,” Franklin said. “Matt’s ability to answer those questions made it clear to Senator Schickel that shared parenting is truly the best arrangement for both kids and parents, so, when it came time to vote on a shared parenting bill, he was prepared to do so.”

However, Hale’s efforts prove that it is entirely possible for anyone to enact meaningful change by engaging at the local level.

“The fact is that everyone promoting shared parenting legislation can do what Matt did,” Franklin wrote. “You can find your state representative or senator, go to their website, find out where and when they’re holding Town Hall meetings and go prepared.”

Do your homework

The reason Hale’s strategy worked is because he prepared thoroughly and came armed with facts. So before you attend any meetings or make any calls, study up.

Cordell & Cordell understands the concerns men face during divorce.

Research shows children who have access to both parents are healthier emotionally, behaviorally, and socially, and perform better academically. Shared parenting can also help mitigate some of the negative consequences divorce can have for children such as reducing the risk of drug use, premarital sex, and dropping out of school.

Keep in mind that it took four years for the law to pass in Kentucky, and even after the passage of this bill there is still work to be done on the state’s permanent custody orders.

4 comments on “Kentucky Shared Parenting Law Shows Power Of Grassroots Activism”

This is great news. I was part of farther for equal rights in the 90s. Now just gone through my second divorce with two kids, this is great news. I have had to fight for every ninute of visitation. I’m involved in everything you do schools meetings, sports, homework. The courts are not dad friendly.

Awesome! Maybe now they will stop labeling men as “the defendant” and women as “the plantiff” on the paperwork also. A family court judge I talked to said it’s done that way just to give a title to the two parties. I then explained to him I didn’t know that and I’d of had a much better attitude when going into court if I wasn’t labeled the defendant. Hopefully it cuts down on broken families also by not making it so easy for a mother to walk away from a relationship, assured they will get much more than the father.

I wish I’d had this information to help me 9yrs ago. I will look into it here in Ohio. My time became shorter with my son 2yrs ago when he turned 13. Who decided that a child needs to see the outside parent less as they get older?

Twitter

THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT. CORDELL & CORDELL, ST. LOUIS, MO. Attorney services are provided by licensed attorneys in every state where Cordell & Cordell offices are located. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. FREE BACKGROUND INFORMATION AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.